Machine for laundrying.



A. B. TOZER. MACHINE FOR LAUNDRYING. 7 APPLICATION FILED MAR. 24, 1904.

Patented Sept. 5, 1911.

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A. B. TOZER. MACHINE FOR LAUNDRYING.

APPLICATION FILED MAIL-24, 1904.

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APPLICATION FILED MAR. 24, 1904.

Patented Sept. 5,1911.

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MACHINE FOR LAUNDRYING.

APPLIOATION FILED MAR. 24, 1904.

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A..B. TOZER. MACHINE FOR LAUNDRYING. APPLICATION FILED HAILM, 1904.

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UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ARCHIBALD B. TOZER, OF ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA, ASSIGNOB OF ONE-FIFTH TO I).O.

SUMMERS CLEANING COMPANY, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO, A CORPORATION OF OHIO.

MACHINE FOR LAUNDRYING.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 5, 1911.

Application filed March 24, 1904-. Serial No. 199,789.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, AROHIBALD B. TOZER, a citizen of the United States,residing at Erie, in the county of Erie and State of Pennsylvania, haveinvented new and useful Improvements in Machines for Laundrying, ofwhich the following is a specification.

This invention relates to 'machines for laundrying and consists incertain improvements in the construction thereof as will be hereinafterfully described and pointed out in the claims.

More particularly the invention relates to machines for laundryingfragile fabrics such as lace curtains and in the following descriptionand illustrations the invention is disclosed as particularly applied tosuch articles.

In a general way the machine is arranged to secure the fabric atnumerous points, and while so secured wash saidfabric and finish thesame. The finishing may be more or less complex as the process iscarried out. In the preferred machine it consists in starching anddrying.

Heretofore great difliculty has been experienced in laundrying fragilefabrics such as lace curtains and similar articles for by reason oftheir fragile nature it is diflicult first, to properly wash them;secondly, to dry and finish them; giving to the article as turned outthe proper shape; and thirdly to accomplish these results withoutinjuring the fabric.

The invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings as follows:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of the machine. Fig. 2, a section on theline 22 in Figs. 1 and 3. Fig. 3, a section on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2.Fig. 4c, a section on the line kl: in Fig. 5, being part of the suctionroll. Fig. 5, an end elevation of a part of Fig. 4, a part being insection on the line 55 in Fig. 4. Fig. 6, is a plan view of a fragmentof the fabric carrier. Fig. 7 a side elevation of the same. Fig. 8, asection on the line 88 in Fig. 6. Fig. 9, a side elevation of thecondensing and heating apparatus. Fig. 10, a section of the same on theline 10-10 in Fig. 11. Fig. 11, an end elevation of the same. Fig. 12 isa detail view of a sprocket wheel and carrier with the fabric on theouter surface of the carrier. Fig. 13 is a view of a sprocket wheel andcarrier with the fabric arranged on the inner surface of the carrier.

The machine is mounted in the frame A, and has in it as its mainconstituents the washer B, the rinser C, the suction apparatus D forpartially drying the fabric, the starching devices E, the means forutilizing the apparatus D for removing surplus starch, and the dryingchambers or devices F.

The fabric is fed onto the carrier G, on a platform or extension of themachine H. The carrier is shown in detail in Figs. 6, 7,8, 12 and 13. Itcomprises the rods G which are rigidly secured in the links 9. Looselinks g connect the links 9' with the next succeeding rod. The rods areprovided with numerous pins 9 The surface developed by the motion of therods G is made 1 co-incident with the cylindric surface defined by themotion of the joints between the rods and links g by means of ofisets 9so that the surfaces g have the same travel as the axes of the jointsformed between the l rogs G and the links 9. The carrier is furtherstiffened bythe chain G which extends across the bars. Numerous pins gform numerous points for securing the fabric. The

flexible nature of the carrier permits of the fabric while so held beingwashed and afterward treated or permits of its treatment, especiallypermits of its being dried while secured to these numerous points sothat the fabric as it comes from the machine is in proper shape for use.The carrier Gr runs in the sprockets h and h and from the sprockets 71.into the washer B. A supporting sheet Gr of pervious material is runonto the carrier Gr before the application of the fabric thereto forminga complete support for the light fabric. This sheet is preferably ofordinary mesh net. A second sheet G is fed over the fabric at the wheelh so that the fabric to be treated is not only secured at numerouspoints by the pins g but it is supported throughout its surface by thesheets G and G.

The washer B consists of the tub in which the mechanism is placed. Ithas the heating coils B. It also has the series of wheels over which thecarrier G runs. The carrier on entering runs over the sprocket Z) ontothe sprocket 6 from this to the first washer sprocket B and from this isreversed on sprocket B p then passes onto the washer sprocket B andpasses out of the tub over the sprockets b and 6*. Where the pins g onthe carrier extend outwardly from the axis of the sprocket over which itis running (as shown in Fig. 12) the surface 9' by reason of the ofi setg maintains the distance between the securing ed by the fact that theend of the link at the joint 9 is offset as shown in Fig. T, so thatonly the ends of the links at the contact the bottom. of the grooves inthe sprocket Wheels as clearly shown in Fig. With. the links in. thisposition, the fabric extends in straight linesfrom rod'G to rod G. Thechains in going over the sprocket wheels run in these grooves. The barsG extend into the notches of the sprocket wheels and: thus engage thesprocket wheels.- By making the carrier in the peculiar form of a chainshown and extending it over numerous sprocket wheels the parallelrelationof the members G is maintained, thus insuring the smoothrunningof the device, and a uniform strain on the fabric, the sprocket wheelsbeing locked together in pairs one ateach side of the carrier.

WVhen. the carrier G runs over a wheel wherein the pins g extend towardthe center as on the washer wheel B- some means must be provided forkeeping the fabric on the pins. To accomplishthis those wheels, on whichthe carrier runs bringing-the pins in this relation, are provided with aseries of rods extending froma sprocket on one end of a shaft to theopposite sprocket, said rods being-identified'by 6 in Figs. 3 and 13.These rods 6 are placed opposite the joints 9 and the envelop of theserods 5 is in coincidence with the cylindrical surface defined by themotion of the axes of the shafts. It will be noted that the links at thejoints 9 willnot contact the bottom of the grooves in the sprocketwheels 13 (see Fig. 13) so that the chain will extendin a straight linebetween the joints 9. This will maintain-the bars G, so that the pins 9willhave a radial'direction and at the same time the len-gth'of the lineofthe fabric between the pins 9 will be maintained by reason-of. thefactthat the rods 6 are dis tanced to exactly thedistance between the axesof the joints 9. The fabric then passes instraight lines between therods 6 the line of-the fabric being exactly at the axis of the joint 9at said rod 6 and approximately in contact with the rods of bars Inpractice I allow for the thickness of .a supporting carrier or webbetween the line of the fabric and the rods G and bars or rods 5 By thisarrangement the flexible carrier formed with the chain having thenumerous points of support may be run over numerous wheels and reversedin its relation to said wheels. This is particularly depoints. This isassistjoint 9' sirablc in the washer, in that the liquid can be passedthrough the fabric in all directions with equal force. The washer wheelsB, B and B are mounted on the shafts Z) and being j ournaled 011 saidshafts are driven by the carrier G. These shafts are driven by the gearsZ) (see Figs. 1 and 2) in a direction opposite to the movement of thewheel, the shaft for the wheel B being driven through a sprocket wheelI). The sprocket wheel 6 is driven 7 through the chain 6 from thesprocket I), the sprocket 6 being mounted on the shaft C, the shaft Cgetting its movement from mechanism hereinafter described. The agitatorsZ) are fixed on the shafts b and force the liquid in front of themthrough the fabric drawn around the wheel. The liquid of course flows inthrough the fabric behind the arms of the agitators so that liquid isforced through the fabric both in front of and behind the arms oftheagitators, so that there is a forced circulation of liquid throughthe fabric, and a consequent washing action.

The carrier G is run fro-1n the washer B to a rinsing apparatus C. Thisis heated by the coils C The carrier in going from the sprocket 6*passes over the sprocket c, then the sprocket c, the rinser wheel C andsprocket 0 out of the rinser. The rinser wheel'C is mounted on the shaftC and is driven by the carrier G. The agitator c is fixed on the shaft Cand rotates in opposite direction from that of the wheel C and forcesliquid through the fabric and accomplishes the rinsing by practicallythe same process as the washer. The shaft C is driven by the sprocket C(see Figs. 1 and 2),;1 chain 0 extending from this sprocket to thesprocket c on the shaft I. The shaft I is driven from the pulley i (seeFig. 2) by the belt 2' from the main drive wheel I The carrier passesfrom the sprocket c of the rinser to an extracting machine D. In passingfrom the sprocket cZ-into the extractor D it passes over the extractingwheel D. This takes outa portion of the moisture. It then passes overthe sprocket 03 into the starchcr E around'the wheel E, over thesprocket d again around the extractor wheel D, and over the sprocket (iout of the extractor.

The extractor wheel is shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 5. It consists ofa series of channels D which are open on their outer face and coveredwith a pervious material as a gauze D The ends of the channel have theopenings at which are adapted to be brought into register with theconnections 03. The connections d are telescopically connected with thefittings d and these are connected with the intake of the compressor orother suction device (not shown) so as to draw air from the channels DThe channels D are provided with partitions d so as to effect a moreuniform distribution of the movement of the air through the fabric onthe extractor wheel. The fittings extend circumferentially beyondthe'telescoping part as clearly shown in Figs. 4 and 5. When the airpressure is reduced in the fitting atmospheric pressure on the outsideof the circumferentially extending parts being greater than the pressureon the inside forces the face of the connections in to contact with theends of the wheel thus forming a closure. As the wheel is turned and thefabric is passed over it the connection (i is brought into register withthe various channels at opposite sides of the wheel, so that the excessive moisture is extracted at one side of the wheel, and theexcessive starch at the opposite side of the wheel.

The starcher is heated by the coil E the fabric running through it takesup sufficient starch to properly treat it.

From the extractor the carrier G passes into the drier F. In passinginto the drier it passes onto the sprocket f. This is mounted on theshaft J and is driven by thewhcel 1 the main driving element of themachine. The drier has the upper or horizontal compartment F and theextension F. The upper compartment is heated by the coils F and theextension by the coils F The carrier is preferably supported whilepassing through these driers by platforms f and F. It is carried overthe sprocket f and the sprocket K at the end of the drier.

The sheet G is passed around the rods I) of the sprocket K and back tothe sprocket h over the top of the machine by means of the rollers Z, ZZ and Z As it passes around the sprocket K it is of course drawn off ofthe pins g of the carrier. The sheet G is also carried preferably aroundthe sprocket K and this of course act-ing wit-h the sheet G takes withit the interposed fabric which is being treated, so that the fabric isremoved from the carrier and delivered from the roller Z. The sheet Gpasses from the sprocket K over the rollers 1' Z and again passes ontothe carrier G around the sprocket L. The carrier G and sheet G pass overthe sprocket L and from there to the initial point at the sprocket it.It is desirable that some tightening device be arranged for each ofthese continuous carriers. The carrier G is tightened at the sprocket L.This sprocket is carried on the shaft P which is journaled in thebearing 39. The bearing p is mounted in a guide P. The arm 1? abuts thehearing. It is mounted on the shaft 7) from which the lever P extends. Aweight P is extended from the arm P and thus keeps the carrier intension. The roller Z is mounted on an arm 9. The arm q is mounted on ashaft 9 from which extends the arm The weight g is suspended from thisarm and gives to the sheet G a proper tension. The roller Z is mountedon the shaft R.

This is carried by the arms R mounted on the shaft R The arm R extendsfrom the shaft R and the weight R is suspended from this lever thusputting the sheet G under proper strain.

I have devised a preferable means of operating a drier either in thisapparatus or others as follows:-The intake of a fan is connected withthe chamber F and air is forced from the fan through the connection Minto the condenser 0 through the opening 0 (see Fig. 10-). The condenserhas a series of pipes 0 and the pans 0 for catching the moisture that isprecipitated. Drain pipes 0 convey the liquid to Without the condenserchamber. The condenser chamber is con nected'by a passage 11? with theheater N. This comprises the chamber n and series of coils n. The airpasses from the heater N again to the drying chamber, being connectedwith the extension F through the connection N. By this arrangement theair is continuously circulated, and it is not necessary to completelycool it to precipitate the moisture in the condenser, so that it goes tothe heater with some initial heat. The continuous circulation alsorelieves the fan. By passing the current in a direction reverse to thatof the movement of the carrier through the drier greater efficiency iseffected.

With this apparatus it will be noted that fabrics of the most fragilenature can be most thoroughly washed, rinsed and dried while beingsecured at numerous points. It is peculiarly applicable to handling lacecurtains and similar fabrics, Where it is desired to hold the fabricafter it has been stretched in the moist state, while it is dried sothat the fabric will have proper form when it is 1 dried.

Of course some of these steps of this process may be omitted and themachine as a whole may be used successfully where the carriers do notinclude the numerous points for securing the fabric. Where so arrangedit will be particularly applicable for washing sheets or similarfabrics. These can be by a continuous operation washed, rinsed, anddried, and of course can be advantageously delivered to a machineoperating continuously for further finishing them if desired.

It will be noted that the curtain is fed onto the carrier G over theroll it, it being passed over the apron S (see Fig. 3). If the pin 9extended exactly in a radial line as it Went over the wheel it therewould be some puckering of the fabric when the carrier G wasstraightened out. The carrier G is arranged on the end of the link 9connected with the pivot g is ahead. Inasmuch as the line of the pivotsg and g is brought into alinement in going over the wheels, the pin 9will be parallel to a radial line running through the sprockets so thatthe the fabric at pivot g. In other words the pin 9 will as it comes ofl the wheel it have a slant slightly forward, and will. be'inperpendicular position to the carrier when the carrier is straightenedout.

I do not claim in this application the process herein disclosed as itforms the subject matter of a separate application. Neither do I claimspecifically the extractor or drying mechanism herein disclosed as thesame forms the subject matter of a separate application..

What I claim as new is 1. Inan apparatus for treating fabrics, thecombination of a means for removably securing the fabric at numerousadjacently arranged points throughout the fabric; devices formaintaining the distances between the points along the line of thest-ant; and means for passing the fabric so secured through a liquid.

2., In, an apparatus for treating fabrics, thecombination of a series ofbars, said bars having means thereon for removably securing numerousadjacently arranged points on adjacent bars; means for flexiblyconnecting'the bars; and devices for passing the bars so connected andwith the fabric engaging points on a plurality of bars through a liquid,said means and devices being arranged to, maintain the distancesbetween: the points along the line of the fabric constant.

3,111 an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a continuouscarrier; means on said carrier for securing a fabric atnumerousadjacently arranged points extending throughout the body of thefabric; devicesacting withthe carrier for maintaining the distancesbetween the points along the line of the fabric constant; and. means fortreating the fabric as the carrier is moved.

4. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, thev combination of asupporting sheet of pervious material for supporting the fabricthroughout its surface; means for securing the fabric andsupportingsheet at numerous adjacently arranged points. while so supported;devices acting with the carrier for maintaining the distances betweenthe points along the line of the fabric constant; and means for passingthe fabric through a liquid so supported and secured.

' In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of twocontinuous supports between which the fabric may be arranged; means forsecuring the fabric at numerous adjacently arranged? points extendingthroughout the fabric so supported; devices acting with said supportsfor maintaining the distances between the points. along the line of thefabric constant; and meansfor treating the fabric so supportedandsecured. 6. In an apparatus for treating fabrics,

fabric conthe combination of two continuous supports between which thefabric may be arranged; means for securing the fabric at numerousadjacently arranged points extending throughout the fabric so supported;devices acting with said supports for maintaining the distances betweenthe points along the line of the fabric constant; means for treating thefabric so supported and secured; and means for separating the fabricfrom said support and securing means after said treatment.

7. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a continuoussupport; means for securing the fabric at numerous adjacently arrangedpoints extending throughout the body of the fabric; devices acting withsaid means for maintaining the distances between the points along theline of the fabric constant; a washer, starcher and: drier, interposedin the path of said support whereby the fabric may be washed, starchedand dried while so supported, and secured. in a continuous operation.

.8. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of acontinuous support, a continuous means for securing the fabric atnumerous adjacently arranged points; devices acting with said means formaintaining the distances between the points along the lineof the fabricconstant; and a washer interposed in the pat-h of said supporting andsecuring means whereby the fabric is maintained at constant tension andis washed while so secured in a continuous operation..

9. In. an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination with the meansfor applyi'ng fluids to the fabric for treating the same; of a carriercomprising a series of barsand linked connections connecting said bars,the surfaces 9 of the bars being in line with the axes of the joints inthe flexible connection whereby the distance between the bars ismaintained as the carrier is flexed.

10. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination with the meansfor applying fluids to the fabric for treating the same; of a carriercomprising a series of bars and linked connect-ions connecting saidbars, the surfaces 9 of the bars being in line with the axes of thejoints in the flexible connection whereby the distance between the barsis maintained as the carrier is flexed; and a series of pins extendingfrom the surfaces 9 of the bars.

11. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a flexiblecarrier; 2. wheel over which said carrier is moved; means formaintaining liquid about said wheel; an agitator mounted with its axisconcentric with the axis of the wheel for forcing liquid through thefabric as it passes over said wheel; and means for actuating theagitator independently of the wheel.

12. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a carrierfor the fabric; means for securing the fabric at numerous points uponthe carrier; a wheel around which said carrier is moved; devices actingwith said means for maintaining the distances between the secured pointsalong the line of the fabric constant; and an agitator to force theliquid through the fabric as it passes around said wheel.

13. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a carrierfor the fabric; a series of Wheels around which said carrier is adaptedto carry the fabric presenting to said Wheels the different surfaces ofthe fabric; and agitators mounted Within the Wheels for forcing liquidthrough the fabric.

14:. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of a carrierfor the fabric; means for securing the fabric on said carrier atnumerous points; a series of wheels around which said carrier passes;devices acting with said means for maintaining the distances between theseveral securing points along the line of the fabric constant as itpasses around said Wheels in reverse curves; and agitators adjacent tosaid Wheels for forcing liquid through the fabric as it passes aroundthe same.

15. In an apparatus for treating fabrics, the combination of the wheel Baround which the fabric is carried; the shaft 7) on which the wheel ismounted; the agitator arranged within the Wheel; and means for rotatingthe wheel and agitator in opposite directions.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of twosubscribing Witnesses.

ARCHIBALD B. TOZER.

Witnesses:

M. C. SULLIVAN, R. BATTLES.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressingthe Commissioner of Patents, Washington, I). C.

